Another magnetic toy set has been recalled amid fears that powerful magnets could cause intestinal injuries if they are swallowed. This time, Super Magnets manufactured in China and imported by Man’s Trading Company of Brisbane, California are being recalled after it was discovered that the magnet on the bottom of the small panda toy are likely to detach, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). So far, no injuries have been reported in relation to the defective Super Magnet toys.
Magnetic play sets are among some of the most dangerous toys on the market. Magnetix Building Sets were the first magnetic play sets subject to a large scale recall in 2006, following the death of a toddler who swallowed a magnet that had come loose from its casing. The magnets in Magnetix and so many other similar sets are high-energy neodymium iron boron magnets. If a child swallows more than one of these powerful magnets, they can be attracted to each other while in the intestinal tract. As a result, the magnets clump together, causing the intestines to twist. This can cause intestinal blockages, bowel perforations and even death. By the time the CPSC issued its first Magnetix recall in 2006, it had received 34 reports of injuries related to the toy, including one death. Since the Magnetix incident, other magnet play sets have been recalled. Over the summer, Mattel issued recalls for 18 million other magnetic toys in several popular lines including Polly Pockets and Batman.
Both Mega Brands and Mattel have redesigned their magnetic toy sets by partially embedding the magnets in plastic and sealing dangerous pieces with a cap that prevents the parts from escaping. The Toy Industry Association also addressed the problem in May by drafting a set of voluntary standards for magnetic play sets. Under the new rules, magnets must either be “reliably contained” within a product or the toys must carry a warning label explaining the dangers of ingestion. Unfortunately, most of the magnetic play sets in stores right now were made over the summer, and the safer versions won’t hit the market until January.
Apparently, the recalled Super Magnets where not manufactured under the new guidelines. This latest magnetic toy set recall involves 2800 Super Magnet toys. According to the CPSC Super Magnet recall notice, the ½-inch toys are shaped and painted to resemble panda bears. A small magnet is attached to the bottom of the toy. “Super Magnets” and the MTC logo are printed on the front of the packaging. The magnet toys were sold eight to a package at dollar and gift stores nationwide from September 2005 through November 2007 for about $1. Consumers should take the recalled toy away from children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Additional information on the Super Magnet recall can be obtained by contacting Man’s Trading Comapny at (800) 388-7228 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or by e-mailing the firm at mtcmans@aol.com.
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